Clinical features of trichonomiasis

Vaginal Trichomoniasis;

• in most cases the vagina is involved. The patient may complain of:
  • a vaginal discharge - thin, yellow/green, offensive, may be frothy
  • vulvovaginal irritation or pain
  • dyspareunia
  • external dysuria
  • no increased frequency or urgency
  • occasionally the patient may complain of lower abdominal discomfort (1)

On examination there may be reddening of the vulval, vaginal and cervical mucosae. Around 2% of women will have a strawberry cervix appearance to the naked eye (1).

Urethral Trichomoniasis:

• this may be present in up to half of the cases of vaginal infestation. It may cause dysuria and frequency if the trigone of the bladder is involved.

Note: Sizeable numbers of women have asymptomatic infection (1).

Reference:

• (1) BASHH (2007) United Kingdom national guideline on the management of Trichomonas vaginalis. British Association of Sexual Health and HIV